Advanced Analytical Methods for Forensic Water Quality Assessment: A PRISMA-Based Systematic Review of Trace Metals, PFAS, Microbial Source Tracking, and Field Sensors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15377/2409-5710.2026.1.1Keywords:
LC-MS/MS, Forensic water analysis, Portable electrochemical sensors, Microbial source tracking (MST), Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).Abstract
Forensic water quality assessment has become a critical interdisciplinary field linking environmental science, public health and legal accountability. Traditional monitoring techniques often lack the sensitivity and admissibility needed for litigation, driving demand for advanced analytical tools. This review synthesises recent innovations, including inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), gas chromatography, DNA-based microbial source tracking, isotopic fingerprinting and portable electrochemical sensors. These techniques enable ultra-trace detection, source attribution and rapid in-field screening of both conventional and emerging pollutants such as PFAS, pharmaceuticals and pathogens. Results underscore strengths and limitations, emphasising challenges of weathering effects, marker decay, calibration stability and emerging analyte lists. By employing the PRISMA framework, this study integrates evidence across fifty-three (53) key investigations, highlighting how analytical advancements strengthen regulatory enforcement, courtroom defensibility and sustainable water governance. Collectively, modern forensic approaches offer robust pathways to safeguard communities against pollution threats. The implications of forensic water quality assessment extend beyond science, directly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 6 (Clean-Water and Sanitation), SDG 3 (Good health and Well-Being) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), by linking advanced monitoring with public health protection and legal accountability.
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